Sink Your Teeth into a Juicy Peach

August 22^nd is nationally known as Eat a Peach Day! What could be a better way to celebrate than to sink your teeth into a delicious peach?  Don’t have any ripe peaches handy? Don’t worry! Crack open a can of peaches (preserved in water or its natural juices instead of syrup of course) or take a trip to your local farmer’s market. Today we celebrate one of the juiciest and most pleasing fruits of the summer.

Peaches are closely related to apricots and almonds. If you are not a fan of the fuzzy skin the peach presents, you can still celebrate today.  Nectarines are a variety of peaches that do not display the fuzzy skin.  Peaches are abundantly harvested in Georgia, as you probably have heard of “Georgia peaches”.  Yet, California is actually the largest peach growing state in the United States.

The health benefits peaches have to offer are just an added bonus to complement its wonderful and unique taste.  Peaches are packed full of vitamin C and potassium.  Fruits and vegetables that are a reddish or orange in color contain beta-carotene.  Beta-carotene gets converted to Vitamin A in your body for an additional boost of nutrients.

There are so many ways for you and your family to enjoy peaches today and throughout the month of August.  Take advantage of this special fruit while it is in season.  The first way to enjoy the scrumptious peach is to simply take a huge juicy bite!  Take a trip to the local farmers market or grocery store and buy a bunch to share with friends and family.

In the mood for a fruity snack?  Chop up peaches and add it to your favorite salsa for a fruity, flavorful kick! Partner your new creation with whole wheat pita chips, a variety of vegetables, or baked Tostitos.  Sliced peaches make a great addition to cottage cheese as a mid-morning snack. Peaches also work well in salads as a side for dinner or as your main lunch course.  Simply chop up peaches and add the pieces to fresh spinach leaves. Top with pecans and feta cheese and drizzle with either balsamic or poppy seed dressing. You can also use your peach as an after dinner treat by simply cutting it in half, removing the pit, and grilling it until it has char marks.  Then, drizzle with light whipped topping or Greek yogurt.

There are so many ways to enjoy this decadent fruit today. Feel free to come up with your own creations and share with friends and family, which would be just peachy!

Your turn to take action:  How do you best love to eat your peach?

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